The mythical god of fire, Volkanu, has again earned favour with the global attractions industry, having been awarded a prestigious IAAPA Brass Award for Best Major Ride/Attraction during IAAPA Expo 2022 in Orlando, Florida.
Designed and developed by Sally Dark Rides, a leading creator of family ride experiences around the globe, the adventure ride, Volkanu – Quest for the Golden Idol opened this year at the Lost Island Themepark in Waterloo, Iowa.
The IAAPA Brass Ring Awards symbolise excellence and achievement in the global attractions industry and earning one is an incredible honour. This is the second international honour for Volkanu, after Amusement Today announced in September that the ride had won the coveted Golden Ticket Award for Best New Family Attraction of 2022.
“Guest response to Volkanu has already been overwhelmingly positive,” shared Eric Bertch, owner of Lost Island Themepark. “Many are surprised that such an amazing ride experience even exists here in Iowa. We were incredibly lucky to have Sally help create this unique ride concept with us and are thrilled that riders cannot get enough.”
Echoing Bertch’s statement, Derek Perry from American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE), the world’s largest club of ride enthusiasts, said: “Volkanu is one of the most immersive interactive rides that I have ever experienced. Combining exhilarating vehicle movements with impressive theming, this awesome family attraction is a must-ride. The mix of practical effects and three-dimensional imagery was unlike anything I have ever seen, and I cannot wait to ride it again! Congratulations Sally Dark Rides and Lost Island!”
Sally first unveiled Volkanu during IAAPA Expo 2021, introducing the incredibly lifelike shaman animatronic and details for the planned ride. The 4D attraction features a custom storyline, trackless vehicles, immersive scenery, interactive gaming, special effects including wind and live fire, and several impressive animatronics.
Thrilled by this latest recognition for Volkanu, Drew Hunter, vice president of creative design, and lead designer of Volkanu, shared: “We were excited to be a finalist for a Brass Ring Award, sharing the category with other outstanding leaders in our industry. Earning the Brass Ring Award not only celebrates our creative, dedicated, and innovative Sally team who worked to make this a world-class attraction, but also reflects the shining contributions of many others that worked on the project – BDR Design Group, ETF Ride Systems, Alterface, Pure Imagination, Forte, Techni-Lux, and original music producer, John Citroni, to name a few. Together we created something incredible. We are proud to share this with Lost Island Themepark for trusting us to deliver this one-of-a-kind attraction to their guests.”
